Haley Announces Special Task Force for
the Routes 4 and 17 Interchange Reconstruction

Transportation Commissioner John J. Haley, Jr. today announced the formation of a Special Task Force for the Route 4 and 17 interchange reconstruction planned for this fall.

"This interchange desperately needs improvements and the NJDOT is committed to making them happen," the Commissioner said. "The Task Force will help us shape and implement a public outreach and traffic mitigation effort, and can serve as a clearinghouse of ideas to make things better while this project is under construction."

The Task Force includes area state and federal legislators, Bergen County government representatives, local officials, State and County police, NJDOT, and area businesses, and will serve as a communications conduit between NJDOT and interested parties for the project. The Task Force will meet regularly and will address issues that arise throughout the duration of work.

"Route 4 and 17 serves as the crossroad for a county with an employment base of 550,000 people and 19 major malls and shopping centers," the Commissioner said. "It is incumbent that we do everything we can to minimize disruptions and complete the work as quickly as possible. We have advanced the schedule for the project by nearly one year and have added $3.5 million in incentives to the contractor to complete the project before Thanksgiving of 2000."

As part of the effort to minimize disruptions and keep commuters informed, no lane closures will be permitted from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, and NJDOT will establish a web page for the project.